Description
This Lasagna Casserole Recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese blends. Perfect for a family dinner, it uses simple ingredients and bakes in one dish for convenient preparation. The casserole delivers classic Italian flavors with fresh basil and Italian seasoning enhancing the savory ground beef and marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces campanelle pasta (or bow-tie or penne noodles)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2-4 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups grated fresh mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the campanelle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well. For a saucier casserole, start with less pasta or adjust sauce quantities later.
- Sauté aromatics and cook meat: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, making sure the onions are tender.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned completely. Drain any excess grease as needed to keep the sauce from being too oily.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes so flavors meld. Then, fold the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture evenly.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Spoon half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Then, top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for a bubbly cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with slight golden edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier, more flavorful casserole.
- Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and freshness, but dried basil can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead; assemble it, cover, and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Adjust the salt and seasoning according to your taste and the saltiness of the marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes baking + 15 minutes stovetop simmering + 10 minutes pasta boiling = 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
